Economy

ATA: U.S. Truck Tonnage Mixed, Previews 2016

ARLINGTON, VA - A measure of trucking freight activity fell last month in the U.S., but remains not far from a record high level hit early this year, accordign to one fleet group, who also offered a preview into conditions for the New Year. The American Trucking Associations' (ATA) advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index declined 0.9 percent in November to 134.3 from the month before, following an increase of 1.8 percent during October, which was revised downward from a first reported 1.9 percent gain. This latest index reading is just 1.1 percent below the all-time high of 135.8 reached in January 2015.

Diesel Prices Continue Heading to Lower Levels

LONDON, ON and WASHINGTON, D.C. - It looks like diesel prices will end the year on a very much lower note in both Canada and the U.S. with continuing declines, making for the least expensive prices in several years. According to the petroleum information services provider The Kent Group, the national average cost of trucking's main fuel in Canada is down $0.017 from a week ago to $0.995 per liter. This is the sixth weekly drop and its lowest level since 2010. Compared to this time last year diesel is $0.199 cheaper. Prices fell Canada's four different regions and currently range from a low of $0.97 per liter in the Western Provinces to a high of $1.093 in Quebec. In the U.S., the story is also a continued drop for six straight weeks, with the average national cost falling US$0.054 from last week to US$2.284 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Department's Energy Information Administration.

Big Rig Orders Drop as Trailers Continue Soaring

COLUMBUS, IN - Final numbers for November show orders for new big rigs in North America are down dramatically from earlier in the year while the medium duty market continues to see improvements along with the trailer market.

Transcourt Adds to Team, Holds Series of Customer Events

OAKVILLE, ON -- Transcourt Tank Leasing has announced the appointment of its vice president for business development in Western Canada while it has been embarking various customer appreciation events throughout Canada.

‘Tis the Season for Cargo Thefts, How You Can Prevent Them

AUSTIN, TX and JERSEY CITY, NJ -- Don't let stolen freight ruin your holiday. This year, both Christmas Day and New Year's Day occur on a Friday, creating two separate three-day weekends, leaving more opportunity for shipments to be left unattended or parked in unsecured locations for extended periods of time.

Container Ship Begins New Regular Service at Montreal Port

MONTREAL, QC - The Port of Montreal last week welcomed the addition of another cargo container ship to its regular, weekly schedule and it's a big one.

Stemco Reaches Agreement With Goodyear

LONGVIEW, TX -- Stemco has officially reached a trademark license agreement (TMLA) with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co following its recent acquisition of the manufacturer of Goodyear Air Springs.

Andy Transport Buys Matrec Terminal

SALABERRY-DE-VALLEYFIELD, QC -- The trucking and logistics provider Andy Transport has added to its size by purchasing a new terminal. It has acquired Matrec's terminal, located at 4 chemin du Tremblay in Boucherville.

Mullen Cuts Spending Budget for Next Year

OKOTOKS, AB - The board of the trucking and logistics and oilfield services provider Mullen Group Ltd. has slashed the company capital spending budget for next year, due in large part to the steep decline in oil and gas prices and activity.

Navistar Trims Losses, Expects Profitable 2016

LISLE, IL - The truck and engine manufacturer Navistar International managed to cut back on its losses in its most recent fiscal quarter while they were down significantly for the 2015 fiscal year, both ending on Oct 31.

Any Prospective Drivers Among The Newly Arrived Refugees?

OTTAWA, ON -- Trucking HR Canada has unveiled a series of free resources for fleets looking to employ newcomers to Canada such as Syrian refugees.

Trucking in Canada a Breeze Compared to Mexico

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO -- You might think that trucking in Canada is overregulated, but Mexican fleets might envy you, because the lack of regulation way to the south creates economic chaos in the country, according to what we heard at a press event organized by Daimler Trucks North America in Puerto Vallarta. Daimler invited three fleet executives to take part in a discussion panel where all questions were welcomed and candidly answered. The age of the fleets, unfair and illegal competition, diesel black market, waiting times and lack of good infrastructures are among the main problems according to panelists.

Titanium Getting More New Rigs as Part of Growth Strategy

WOODBRIDGE, ON -- Titanium Transportation Group Inc. continues taking delivery of new trucks as part of a plan to increase its business.

Diesel Prices Continue Falling, Lowest in Many Years

LONDON, ON and WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the price of oil keeps falling, diesel costs in both Canada and the U.S. moved down for the fifth straight week, hitting their lowest levels in several years.

Final Surge at Ports Before St. Lawrence Seaway Season Ends

OTTAWA, ON -- Trucks serving ports and related facilities along the Great Lakes Seaway system are no doubt staying busy with new figures showing number of vessels currently there exceeds the five-year average as ships deliver much-needed supplies and make a final push to export grain from Thunder Bay and other Ontario ports before the St. Lawrence Seaway closes on Dec. 30.